Feasibility and Validity of a Wearable GPS Device for Measuring Outings after Stroke

Abstract

Aim . Self-report diaries are a low-cost method of measuring community participation but may be inaccurate, while the “gold standard,” observation is time consuming and costly. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and validity of a global positioning system (GPS) for measuring outings after stroke. Design . Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods . Twenty ambulant people with stroke wore a GPS device and kept a diary for 7 days, and 18 were observed for half a day. We recorded recruitment rate, user perceptions, and data extraction time. GPS data were analysed against Google maps. Percent exact agreement (PEA) with observation was calculated for GPS and diary. Results . Of 23 eligible participants, 20 consented (mean 3.6 years after stroke). GPS data recovery was high (87%). Some participants had difficulty operating the on/off switch and reading the small screen. Data extraction took an average of 5 hours per participant. PEA with observation was high for number of outings (GPS 94%; diary 89%) but lower for purpose of outings (GPS 71%; diary 82%). Conclusions . The GPS device and diary were both feasible and valid for measuring outings after stroke. Simultaneous use of GPS and diaries is recommended for comprehensive analysis of outings.